Everton are reportedly on the verge of signing former Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz before the transfer deadline.
The Toffees are still waiting to make their first winter addition with the transfer window set to close at 11pm.
However, Everton are still keen to add to David Moyes's squad before the market shuts for business until the summer.
The Merseyside club were recently linked with a move for Flamengo's Alcaraz, who played for Southampton from January 2023 to January 2024.
Alcaraz spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus, before he completed a transfer to Flamengo in last summer's transfer window.
The 22-year-old has scored three goals and provided two assists in 19 competitive appearances during his time with the Brazilian club.
However, it seems that he is set to leave the South American giants to complete a swift return to the English top flight.
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Everton closing in on Alcaraz
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Everton are working on a deal to sign Alcaraz before the transfer window slams shut.
The update claims that the Toffees are set to sign Alcaraz on loan with an obligation to buy if the player reaches a 'high number' of starts.
Everton are working to complete the final details, but they are seemingly confident that they can finalise the deal before the transfer window slams shut.
Alcaraz appears to be a replacement for midfielder Orel Mangala, who recently sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
As a result, the Belgium international is expected to miss the rest of the season, dealing a blow to Moyes's midfield options.
However, Alcaraz now looks set to provide competition to James Garner, Idrissa Gueye, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Tim Iroegbunam.
If Everton get the deal over the line, the Argentine could make his debut in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round clash against Bournemouth.
